Should dogs be welcomed in churches, temples, mosques or other places of worship?

Covenant Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles allows dogs to come to its Sunday night prayer services[4], which are led by Reverend Tom Eggebeen. Welcoming canines to places of worship is a growing trend that reflects an increasing recognition of the strong bonds that people have with their dogs. The goal behind canine-friendly services is to make people feel more comfortable at church.

Sometimes dogs do become a bit unruly and need to be taken outside to relax, but Reverend Eggebeen says that happens with unruly kids on occasion, too. He says that if all the dogs start barking, they usually quiet down when the congregation sings “Amazing Grace.”

Many people are supportive of dogs being in church, but others have been critical of the policy. What do you think about dogs coming to church? Would you be in favor of having canines at your place of worship or against it?